Men’s fertility is being silently destroyed by smoking, alcohol consumption, and chronic stress. These three habits form a toxic trio that can sabotage male reproductive health and reduce the chances of becoming a father.
According to Dr Sunita Arora, Senior Director of IVF at Bloom IVF (Fortis La Femme), men often unknowingly harm their fertility through everyday habits like smoking, regular alcohol consumption, and unchecked stress. This is because men continue to ignore the link between these habits and infertility, despite up to 40% of cases being due to male factors.
Smoking damages sperm DNA, reducing both fertility and the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Regular alcohol intake disrupts hormone levels and sperm motility, directly impacting male reproductive health. Chronic stress lowers testosterone and fuels unhealthy habits, creating a vicious cycle that sabotages fertility.
A 2022 study in Reproductive Toxicology revealed that smokers have significantly higher sperm DNA fragmentation, leading to reduced chances of conception or miscarriage. Regular alcohol consumption also impairs liver function, leading to hormonal imbalances and decreased sperm quality.
Moreover, chronic stress increases cortisol levels, a hormone that directly competes with testosterone, resulting in low libido, irregular hormone cycles, and reduced sperm health. Stress fuels unhealthy habits, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
The warning from Dr Sunita is clear: these seemingly normal behaviors could be costing men their chances of becoming fathers. This World Infertility Awareness Month, men are urged to pause and reflect on their habits. By avoiding cigarettes, skipping drinks, taking walks instead of worrying, and making small changes to their lifestyle, men can make a real difference in supporting their future reproductive health.
It’s essential for men to understand the impact of these daily choices on their fertility and take charge of their health. Every small step counts, and being aware of the risks is the first step towards prevention.
Source: https://zeenews.india.com/health/smoking-booze-and-burnout-are-destroying-male-fertility-expert-reveals-hidden-damage-before-it-s-too-late-2923467